New Delhi, India. On 22-23 November 2014 was held the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of India. The Grand Lodge of India is the largest Masonic organization in Asia and was founded in 1961. Harcharan Singh Ranauta was elected Grand Master and will take over the mandate from Vasudev J. Masurekar. The new Grand Master will be installed in office in November 2015.

Santiago, Chile. Luis Riveros Cornejo (Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Chile) received this month the visit of Minister of National Assets, Víctor Osorio, and Under Secretary Jorge Maldonado. The leader of Chilean Freemasonry discussed with the two officials about cooperation in the field of national heritage.

The Grand Master said it is willing to provide the heritage archives of the Grand Lodge to the State, heritage which includes the historical evolution of Chile from colony to republic.

Bilbao, Spain. During 7 to 8 November 2014 was held the Annual Communication of the Supreme Council for Spain. The event was attended by leaders and delegations of the Supreme Councils of Romania, Germany, Israel, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal and Bulgaria.

The first day was held a conference on "Freemasonry seen by others" (by Rosa María Martínez Segarra), and the next day were presented four papers on the topic: "Inspirational principles of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite". At the end of the day was held the Annual Communication during which there were received delegations from Europe and Israel. The Alberto Martínez-Lacaci International Prize (awarded annually by the Supreme Council for Spain) was handed this year to the Sovereign Grand Commander of France, Jean-Luc Fauque, 33º.

Brussels, Belgium. The Grand Lodge of France must decide its future. At least that indicates the last letter received by Marc Henry from the Belgian Grand Master, Jacques François. While GLNF succeeds in reinforcing its Masonic status in France and worldwide, GLdF makes a double play. As a result of these developments, the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium asked GLdF's leader to take a decision and decide whether he is willing or not for a change in the future.

Santiago, Chile. President of Chile, Ms. Michelle Bachelet visited the Grand Lodge of Chile. This is the first time in the history of this country when a President makes an official visit and talks in front of the Grand Lodge of Masons. At the time of her entry into the Grand Temple, Bachelet was cheered by over 650 Freemasons and guests present. Bachelet's father was a Freemason, as was her maternal grandfather.

Chilean Presidency informed that Mrs. President attended the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Chile to provide to the national freemasonry a recognition for its contribution to education, freedom, State and public policies.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Chile said: "We feel particularly proud because, you, Madam President, you are always considered a person close to our institution."

More information about this event and a detailed analysis of the significance of this historic meeting you can read in the editorial that will appear on Masonic Times.

Stockholm, Sweden. Queen Silvia of Sweden handed the 35 scholarships offered annually by the Masonic Foundation Stiftelsen Frimurare Barnhusets. Queen of Sweden was greeted by the President of the Foundation, Carl-Gustaf Piehl, and the event was held at the Bååtska Palace.

Paris, France. The French National Grand Lodge resumed its Masonic relations with the Grand Lodges of the Czech Republic, Iowa and Massachusetts. The positive trends within GLNF made ​​the Grand Lodge of the Czech Republic, on September 18, 2014, to decide whether to grant or not the recognition which was originally suspended. This Grand Lodge re-recognized GLNF.

Also, the Grand Lodge of Iowa has adopted the same decision on September 19, 2014, at the Annual Communication. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts (one of the most important in the United States) took the same decision on September 10, 2014.

Barcelona, Spain. The 37th General Assembly of the 6th Zone of the IMC (Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Bolivia and Uruguay) was held this year in Europe. The host of the event was the Grand Lodge of Spain. Also attended the event the Executive Secretary and IMC's President. The next meeting will take place next year in Chile.

The Government of Catalonia and Barcelona City Hall were visited by IMC's leaders attending this event. They were greeted by Manuel Manonelles (Director General for Multilateral and European Affairs) in the Government Palace and by Jordi Marti in the Consistory of Barcelona.

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IN MEMORIAM Alicia TOYOS

EXCLUSIVE | Interview with the first (woman) Grand Master in the history of the Republic of Uruguay, Alicia TOYOS | This interview has an exclusive character, being part of the Exclusive Collection of Interviews of the Masonic Agency. The republication (total and/or partial publication) of this interview is strictly prohibited.